Your PTO

Your PTO

Update on PTO By-Laws & Notice of PTO Members Meeting

The PTO Board has undertaken an effort to update and modernize the PTO’s by-laws.

In September, the Board amended the by-laws to implement most of the updates. A copy of the amended by-laws is attached here.

The Board also wishes to implement changes to the indemnification provisions of the by-laws, but these changes require the approval of the PTO members. A copy of the by-laws that includes these additional amendments is attached here.

A redline showing the differences in the indemnification provisions is here.

The PTO will hold a meeting of members on October 19, 2017 at 8:35am at Mason-Rice Elementary School, 149 Pleasant Street, Newton, Massachusetts 02459 for the purpose of voting on the proposed amendments to the by-laws. The PTO Board recommends that all PTO members vote “FOR” the proposed amendments to the by-laws.

If you are not able to attend the meeting in person, please complete and return the form of proxy attached here. Every vote counts! We need enough members to attend the meeting or vote by proxy, so please take a minute to vote. You can e-mail a PDF of the signed proxy to masonricepto@gmail.com, give it to Will Adams, Jas Rai or Maureen Oates, or put it in the proxy box on top of the PTO bookshelf in the lobby.

Summary of All By-Law Documents for Review:

With Gratitude…

Many thanks to Mason-Rice parent, John Hancock, and his colleague, Caroline Samp, at Foley Hoag LLP who have undertaken this project for us pro bono. John’s and Caroline’s advice and guidance were invaluable during this process. We feel very grateful to have such an incredible resource in our community.

WELCOME to Mason-Rice!

The Mason-Rice Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is a non-profit, all-volunteer group committed to enriching our children’s educational experiences at Mason-Rice and building a vibrant community at our school. Our mission is to help you stay connected, understand our community’s needs, and to foster community spirit. This site, our calendar & our Notes newsletter provide information to help you stay informed about school activities and opportunities to get involved.

The Mason-Rice PTO meets a critical need in our school by providing funding for programs, initiatives, and supplies that are not available through the Newton Public Schools. To learn more about our initiatives, click the Committees link. To learn more about where the PTO make investments, view the Dues & Dollars at Work link.

We look forward to working with you this year. Please don’t hesitate to contact one of us to offer feedback or to volunteer – your skills, time, and talent make the difference in our children’s experience and our PTO spirit. Please contact us at masonricepto@gmail.com.

~ Will Adams & Jas Rai (2017-2018 PTO co-Presidents)

Who is on the PTO?

All Mason-Rice parents, faculty and staff are members of the PTO. The only membership requirement is that you have a child enrolled in Mason-Rice during this school year — or you teach one.

Who are the PTO officers?

The PTO Officers include:

Co-Presidents (2 or3)

Vice Presidents (up to 4)

Areas of focus:

Communications

Community Events and Outreach

Fundraising

Classroom, Teacher, & School Support

PTO Treasurer (1 or 2)

PTO Secretary (1)

What is the PTO Board?

The Board acts as a board of directors for the PTO Co-presidents and meets monthly to discuss issues such as how to assemble volunteers, organize fundraisers and community events, and get a general read on all kinds of issues from the Mason-Rice parent body at large.· All PTO officers are on the board. In addition, there are 8 at-large positions, as well as ex-officio members representing major programs like Room Parents.

When does the PTO Board meet?

PTO Board meetings provide an opportunity to build, maintain, and nurture the sense of community at Mason-Rice School. PTO Board meetings are held monthly, and are open to everyone. Board meetings take place the third Thursday of each month at 8:35 am.

To read about all of the details, check out our PTO By-Laws and Incorporation documents: